What is TalkSpot?
A mental health service exclusively for Mac Eng students.
TalkSpot offers same-day appointments with a registered counsellor every weekday. You can share what’s on your mind to get perspective, problem-solve and receive suggestions for relevant resources.
What you share with the TalkSpot counsellor is completely confidential and will not be disclosed to faculty, staff, friends, or family.
TalkSpot counselling appointments are:
- Available to all undergraduate and graduate students within the Faculty of Engineering
- Convenient and accessible, with no waitlist or intake assessment
- Up to 50 minutes in length, either in person or virtual
- Intended to address your concerns in a single session
TalkSpot is not available 24/7 and same-day appointments are not appropriate for mental health emergencies.
Upcoming appointment availability
TalkSpot will be closed from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026. TalkSpot appointments will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Click the link below to learn more about mental health supports that are available during the holiday closure.
Please note: Same-day bookings can be made starting at 8:30 a.m.
January 5: Same-day appointments at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (in-person and virtual)
January 6: Same-day appointments at 10:00 a.m. (virtual only), 1:00 p.m., 2:10 p.m., and 3:20 p.m. (in-person and virtual)
January 7: Same-day appointment at 12:30 p.m., 1:40 p.m., and 2:50 p.m. (in-person and virtual)
January 8: Same-day appointments 10:00 a.m. (virtual only), 12:00 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 2:20 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. (in-person and virtual)
January 9: Same-day appointments at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. (virtual only)
How to book
The online booking system opens each morning.
Choose a same-day appointment time on a ‘first come, first served’ basis
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Check appointment hours
Review this week’s appointment availability in the ‘upcoming availability’ section above to find out when you can book.
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Select a service type
Select a service type. In person appointments occur in Hatch 301 and virtual appointments occur via Zoom.
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Select a time
After selecting your service type, you will see the available same-day appointment times.
If you see ‘no availability’ that means booking is not currently open for the selected date.
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Create an account
Create an online booking account and verify your McMaster email address. You can then confirm your selected appointment time.
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Agreement form
Review your confirmation email and complete the TalkSpot Student Agreement form (5-10 mins).
Once submitted, you’re ready for your appointment!
Meet your TalkSpot counsellor
Kaely Danahy, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Kaely is an occupational therapist and a Mac grad. She worked for the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington supporting young people with severe and persistent mental illness before returning home to work with McMaster Engineering students. She is a skilled listener passionate about post-secondary student wellness. Kaely’s brother, a mechanical engineer, did his undergrad in BTech, so she has a strong appreciation for the Fireball culture of innovation and excellence (but don’t ask her for math homework help – she didn’t inherit those genes!). You can ask her about her very spoiled cat, Tomato, her new rescue dog, Rooster, or her unapologetic love for reality TV.
Meet Delaney – Student Occupational Therapist
Starting in January 2026, you may meet with Delaney, a Master’s-level Occupational Therapy student completing a clinical placement with TalkSpot. Delaney is in her final year of the MScOT program and has prior experience supporting clients in healthcare settings. She will join sessions under Kaely’s supervision. Clinical placements are an important part of training and help strengthen mental health supports for our engineering students overall. You can expect Delaney to bring a compassionate, professional approach to your care. At the start of your appointment, we will ask whether you are comfortable having Delaney present; your choice will always be respected.